Communion-cup.



No. 870,556. PATENTED NOV. l2, 19.07. 0. V. L. HARBOUR.

- COMMUNION CUP.

APPLICATION FILED MAY24.1906.

ORANGE V. L. HARBOUR, OF FAIRrNIOUNT, INDIANA.

COMMUNION-CUP.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 12, 1907'.

Application filed May 24:, 1906. Serial No. 318,486.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ORANGE V. L. HARBOUR, a citizen of the United States, residing at Fairmount, in the county of Grant and State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Communion- Cups, of which the following is a specification.

My invention r'elates to improvements in communion cups, and has for its object, the provision of a device of this character which will be perfectly sanitary and will be antiseptic so that there will be no danger of disease being imparted to the communicants who have partaken of the cup.

A further object of the invention is to simplify the construction of such a cup, promote its efliciency, and produce a device for the purpose named which will be thoroughly practical in every particular.

My invention further consists of a communion cup embodying novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts substantially as disclosed herein.

Figure l, is a side elevation of my improved communion cup. Fig. 2, is a vertical sectional view thereof, and Fig. 3, is a top plan view thereof.

Referring to the drawings in detail: The numeral l, designates the cup holder', preferably of metal, provided with a handle 2, and a hollow broad supporting base 3. Ilre bottom of the holder is provided with a central opening, around the circumference of which, is formed a grooved channel or. guide-way 4, adapted to form a run-way for the balls 5. Mounted in the holder and supported on said balls, is an outer cup or vessel 6,A provided at its upper edge with the interiorly-threaded rim '7. A downwardly-inclined annular retaining wall or flange 8, is provided near the rim of the outer cup, and upon the exterior of said cup is formed a corrugated or knurled band 9, to aid in rotating the cup. A valve seat l0, is formed centrally in the bottom of the outer cup, and is suitably closed by the spring-pressed valve or plug Il. The walls of the valve seat are exterior-ly produced to form a fiaring opening l2, to the valve, the purpose of which will be described later.

The wine receptacle proper consists of an inner vessel or cup I3, provided at its upper edge with an annular collar I4, terminating in a threaded rim l5, to engage the threads on the rim of the outer vessel. For the sake of a good finish and to insure a goed tight joint, the meeting edges of the two vessels may be beaded as at I6. The edge of the collar I4, is continued to form a flaring flange 17, which is the true b rim of the cup.

Secured to the upper end of the handle, is a spring clamp consisting of a stationary member 18, having a movable clamping jaw I9, pivoted thereto. The clamping jaws are formed with the rearwardly-extending handle portions 20, and confined between the jaws of the clamp, is the pad 2l, of antiseptic material..

This pad is doubled so as to embrace the outer and inner sides of the flaring brim ofthe cup, and the clamp also serves the purpose of securing the vessels within the holder. The clamp is adjustably pivoted to the handle by means of the thumb screw 22, so that the cup may be entirely removed from the holder when so desired.

The inner cup is provided' with a cover 23, preferably formed integral with the rim or collar thereof, and this cover has a central opening 24, for admitting liquid to the vessel, said opening being provided with a stopper 25. Outlet tubes 26, are mounted in said cover near the edge thereof, and said tubes are partially closed by means of the over-hanging lips or deflectors 27. Depending from the rim I4, are the tubes 28, flaring at their lower ends and provided with a retaining wall 29, which serves to confine the balls 30, in said tubes. These balls form valves or closures to the tubes as will be evident.

,The use, advantages, and operation of my improved communion cup will be readily appreciated: The waste liquid is not allowed to return to the inner cup but by means of the outlet tubes is conducted to the outer or waste-receiving receptacle. When the cup is inverted for drinking, the waste liquid is held in check by means of the retaining flange 8, and should it overiiow said fiange, the escape thereof is prevented by means of the ball check valves. After each communicant has accepted of the cup, the vessel is given a partial revolution, which presents a new drinking surface and thoroughly cleanses the soiled portion of the rim by means of the antiseptic pad. On account of the ball bearing, the vessel revolves with but little friction. After the cup has been used, it may be placed upon a tray or suitable receptacle provided with studs to engage the fiaring opening in the bottom of the outer cup, whichraises the spring valve, and allows the escape of the waste liquid in the cup. By providing la partial closure to the outlet tubes 26, the liquid is prevented from slopping or spilling over as the cup is handed about.

From the above description taken in connection with the drawings, it will be apparent that I have provided a communion cup which accomplishes all the objects herein set forth, and which is very useful and desirable.

I claim:

1. A communion cup comprising a holder having a circular' opening in the bottom thereof, the edge at said opening; being bent up to form a ball race, balls in said race, a rotary receptacle in said holder supported on said ball bearing, said receptacle having a discharge valve inthe bottom thereof in alinement with said opening.

2. In a communion cup, a holder having a circular IOO opening in the bottom thereof, the edge at said opening being bent up to form a ball race, balls in said race, a rotary receptacle in the holder supported on said ball bearing, a spring closed discharge valve in the bottom thereof in alinement with said opening, and a downwardly flaring guide tube surrounding said valve, extending into Said circular opening and below the upturned edge thereof, whereby said valve is retained in approximate alinemeut with the center of the opening, and a push rod or other instrument may be readily brought in contact with 10 the valve to open the same.

In testimony whereof I afx my signature in presence of two witnesses.

ORANGE v. L. HARBOUR.

Witnesses:

L. E. GREER, ESTELLA INK. 

